Expression of Interest: Café Lates Pilot Initiative Continues into 2025.
Galway City, one of nine pilot cities/towns nationwide actively enhancing Ireland's night-time economy, is committed to building on the city's after-6 p.m. offerings. The "Café Lates" initiative directly addresses feedback received during public consultation for the development of a Café Culture as part of the Galway City Council Night-Time Economy Action Plan.
Aims of the Café Lates Pilot Initiative:
- Expand evening and night-time offerings, including alcohol-free options.
- Support for businesses in trialing extended opening hours.
- Stimulate revenue.
- Drive footfall.
- Build a vibrant evening café culture.
Call for Expression of Interest:
Cafés are encouraged to submit proposals for a series of events to fully assess demand and feasibility. For example, proposals could include hosting an event every Thursday for four weeks, or "Café Late Thursdays" once a month for a defined period. Expressions of interest are welcome from cafés across Galway City centre and Salthill (see map, appendix 1). The timeframe for the pilot is April 1st to June 30th and September 1st to November 11th. Businesses should consider periods when increased footfall would be most beneficial to their operations. Programming that engages young people (16+) is also encouraged. Priority will be given to: Cafés located off the primary thoroughfares and Cafés that did not participate in the 2024 Café Lates pilot. All events must begin at 6 pm or later.
A list of relevant festivals (see Appendix 1) is provided to assist with scheduling.
Key Considerations:
Based on learnings from the previous Café Lates initiative, strong communication and marketing are crucial for success. This includes cross-promotion between participating cafés. Businesses receiving support will be required to promptly provide information about their confirmed event dates and activities to support a communications plan. If a business decides to programme a workshop or a ticketed event, walk-ins must be accommodated without requiring participation in the workshop.
A Café:
For the purposes of this initiative, a café is defined as a premise that's primary offering is the sale of coffee/tea and other beverages, has seating, and possesses the space to accommodate proposed activities. This initiative does not apply to shops or convenience stores that serve hot beverages.
Completed applications must be submitted by email to Eimear.Coleman@galwaycity.ie at Galway City Council.
For queries please contact: Kate Howard, Galway City Council Night-Time Economy Advisor, Kate.Howard@GalwayCity.ie
Deadline for applications March 18th.
Appendix 1: Terms and Conditions: Click here
Café Lates Expression of Interest Form: Click here